2019 Nissan Altima
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 131
From: MI
It is laughable how anyone wants to point out the similarity to 2018 Honda Accord interior, as a coincidence is simply a coincidence.
Remember that no single existing car on the market can easily copy an immediately preceding model year's new design from a competitor.
The L42P Altima design has been decided on for a very LONG TIME, that Nissan was already choosing a final design 2 years ago. The newly introduced XV70 Camry for MY2018, got design approval 3 years ago. Over 1 year earlier in the development process, than the outgoing XV50 Camry (2011-17), which reached that point in 2009.
OEMs are pouring a lot more into their volume midsize cars now, that lead times have been forced to go up as a result. You can take or leave that advice, but it stands true that design similarities often have nothing to do with emulating each other. The facelifted A36 Maxima also takes on the Vmotion 2.0 look, which is being finalized as we speak.
The concept at NAIAS was meant to give an early teaser for the next Altima, but yet I continue to read BS narratives from ignorant journalists, that give the idea that Nissan decided to do what Lexus did with the LF-LC Concept/LC and turn the Vmotion 2.0 Concept into reality and watered it down as the Altima.
I am very tired of this, as they should know better by rule of thumb and much more. Unlike the LC and next GT-R, design and engineering of mass market commuter cars does not work like that at all. The production body design came first. I cannot say it enough anymore.
Remember that no single existing car on the market can easily copy an immediately preceding model year's new design from a competitor.
The L42P Altima design has been decided on for a very LONG TIME, that Nissan was already choosing a final design 2 years ago. The newly introduced XV70 Camry for MY2018, got design approval 3 years ago. Over 1 year earlier in the development process, than the outgoing XV50 Camry (2011-17), which reached that point in 2009.
OEMs are pouring a lot more into their volume midsize cars now, that lead times have been forced to go up as a result. You can take or leave that advice, but it stands true that design similarities often have nothing to do with emulating each other. The facelifted A36 Maxima also takes on the Vmotion 2.0 look, which is being finalized as we speak.
The concept at NAIAS was meant to give an early teaser for the next Altima, but yet I continue to read BS narratives from ignorant journalists, that give the idea that Nissan decided to do what Lexus did with the LF-LC Concept/LC and turn the Vmotion 2.0 Concept into reality and watered it down as the Altima.
I am very tired of this, as they should know better by rule of thumb and much more. Unlike the LC and next GT-R, design and engineering of mass market commuter cars does not work like that at all. The production body design came first. I cannot say it enough anymore.
Last edited by Carmaker1; Aug 21, 2017 at 02:49 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,195
Likes: 1,844
From: WA
Another V6 bites the dust.
Nissan has broomed the V-6 engine as the step-up powertrain offering, replacing it with a turbocharged inline-four. The turbo four is the company’s variable-compression 2.0-liter, just introduced in the Infiniti QX50. (Read how the technology works here.) In the Altima, it makes 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, versus 270 ponies and 251 lb-ft for today’s 3.5-liter V-6. It’s optional on the sporty-themed SR model and on the range-topping Platinum.
Most Altimas, however, will be powered by a heavily revised, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four. Its displacement is unchanged, but output increases from 179 to 188 horsepower (at 6000 rpm). Peak torque is 180 lb-ft arriving at 3600 rpm, an increase of 3 lb-ft. As with the turbo four, Nissan claims that this engine offers reduced noise, vibration, and harshness compared with its predecessor, along with more compact packaging. Once again, the Altima comes exclusively with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which is equipped with paddle shifters on the SR model.
The more significant powertrain news is the availability of all-wheel drive for the first time, a feature not found even on the more expensive Maxima. Among direct competitors, only the Subaru Legacy and the Ford Fusion offer all-wheel drive. In the Altima, it will be available on any model but can be paired only with the 2.5-liter engine.
The more significant powertrain news is the availability of all-wheel drive for the first time, a feature not found even on the more expensive Maxima. Among direct competitors, only the Subaru Legacy and the Ford Fusion offer all-wheel drive. In the Altima, it will be available on any model but can be paired only with the 2.5-liter engine.
Another V6 bites the dust.
edit: lolz, thought this thread was more recent. didn't even check the dates (from 2017)
Last edited by Zmon; Mar 28, 2018 at 01:28 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 247
From: NY
This will really hurt the Camry and especially the Accord. At least the Camry has a V6 to differentiate itself. Both the Accord and Altima has a 2.0t but it has AWD as a distinguishing feature. I hope the Camry gets AWD in the next 2 yrs at its midcycle refresh or the Altima will eat its lunch. At a minimum add AWD to the hybrid.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,474
Likes: 320
From: California
Trim count increases to five: S, SR, SV, SL, and the new Platinum. The standard engine in every trim is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 80 percent of its parts either new or redesigned compared to the current 2.5-liter four. Changes include adding direct injection, integrating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head, and a thermal insulated resin intake port, which uses an air layer to help keep fresh intake air cold. Power goes up nine horsepower to 188, torque rises three pound-feet to 180. Fuel economy and refinement see upgrades as well.
The optional engine on SL and Platinum trims is the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder VC-Turbo variable compression engine first launched on the Infiniti QX50, replacing the 3.5-liter V6. In this application, the numbers come out to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft, a drop of 22 hp but a gain of 22 lb-ft. Unlike on the QX50, however, peak torque doesn't arrive any earlier on the 2.0-liter than it does on the 3.5-liter. On the other hand, Nissan expects a fuel economyimprovement by some double-digit percentage. The 2.5 and the 2.0 VC shift through a revised Xtronic CVT transmission with an expanded lock-up area to boost fuel economy.
The optional engine on SL and Platinum trims is the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder VC-Turbo variable compression engine first launched on the Infiniti QX50, replacing the 3.5-liter V6. In this application, the numbers come out to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft, a drop of 22 hp but a gain of 22 lb-ft. Unlike on the QX50, however, peak torque doesn't arrive any earlier on the 2.0-liter than it does on the 3.5-liter. On the other hand, Nissan expects a fuel economyimprovement by some double-digit percentage. The 2.5 and the 2.0 VC shift through a revised Xtronic CVT transmission with an expanded lock-up area to boost fuel economy.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 309
From: ON/NY
This will really hurt the Camry and especially the Accord. At least the Camry has a V6 to differentiate itself. Both the Accord and Altima has a 2.0t but it has AWD as a distinguishing feature. I hope the Camry gets AWD in the next 2 yrs at its midcycle refresh or the Altima will eat its lunch. At a minimum add AWD to the hybrid.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 309
From: ON/NY
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 241
From: California
Wow, that is ugly! The grille is a huge mess! All big-grille users are mostly bailing out of the trend (Audi/Ford), and Nissan goes full speed into it. Will be terribly dated in five years. The angular rear window pillar is severely dated and clashes with the greenhouse. Nissan is trying way to hard and it comes across as harsh and toyish. Interior is nice, like the new Accord. What a shame they could produce a more organic body.
The only thing this car will be good for is nightly showings on COPS and Live PD.
The only thing this car will be good for is nightly showings on COPS and Live PD.
As much as I want to like it I feel like the new Accord and Camry have it beat hopefully it drives better than it looks my last Nissan rental felt very sluggish, though it is nice to have an available AWD as an option, fuel economy numbers on Nissans I have read are often never meet close to EPA numbers hopefully this will be the first.